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Where the luxury motor yacht meets the luxury passenger car.

The Silver Arrows Marine ARROW460-Granturismo is the mould-breaking first model from a new partnership to build a luxury motor yacht that captures the design purity and dynamism of a Mercedes-Benz automobile.

ARROW460-Granturismo arrives after a four-year development period during which Silver Arrows Marine worked in close collaboration with its partner Mercedes-Benz Style and many of the world's most eminent names in yacht design and construction.

Unveiled on the Côte d'Azur during the launch of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet, the first pre-production yacht is named Mercedes. The 706 kW (960 hp) yacht is embarking on sea trials out of Nice ahead of the final commissioning of the interior, due in May when full technical and commercial details will be released.

Displaying the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy, the automotive DNA in ARROW460-Granturismo is plain to see. It ensures sensual purity unlike anything else on the water while delivering an on-board experience that only a complete re-imagining of the 14m class of motor yacht could deliver.

With its long foredeck, a flowing, arched roofline and a slightly descending rear, the yacht has classic automobile proportions. The concave and convex interaction along the entire flank creates a highly sculptural hull that conveys both dynamism and serenity. The overall composition is accentuated by elegantly styled yet functional details. Great attention has been paid to the handrails, for example, which are perfectly integrated into the roofline.

In its open-plan layout, ingenious functionality and innovative use of light and space, ARROW460-Granturismo represents a new standard in day cruising. Uniquely, the yacht's 'crossover' approach delivers the benefits of both traditional closed and open boats in a single versatile design, blending indoor and outdoor spaces in ways never before achieved in this size of yacht. Rated for up to 10 passengers, it is a very open and sociable yacht, the design allowing free-flowing access from stem to stern while the cabin is able to transform into luxury overnight accommodation for two if required.

Innovative features include a class-first retractable 'terrace by the sea' in the stern, built-in sun deck and double-console cockpit. Electronically-dimming 'smart' glass is used for the windows and roof of the cabin, the smoothly arching design of which clearly links ARROW460-Granturismo with the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz luxury cars. Just as in a luxury car, the side windows open at the press of a button, as does the large 'windscreen': the glass rises up to create a 'pergola' effect that opens the dining and lounge area to sea breezes while retaining UV protection.

A smooth, seamless decking finish is achieved throughout the yacht thanks to an innovative new composite material that frees the designers to create an entirely new aesthetic for this size of yacht, one that will be echoed for its modern-luxury approach in the equally innovative interior.
Just as with a car, a system of prototyping was adopted during development to ensure ergonomic excellence and exceptional detail quality. The state-of-the-art hull design has been shaped as much for comfort and ease of handling as speed by hydrodynamicists from the renowned naval architects Van Oossanen.

Powered by two refined and efficient Yanmar diesel engines of 353 kW (480 hp) each, ARROW460-Granturismo is designed to achieve a top speed of 40 knots in light load conditions, with a cruising speed of 26 knots (figures to be confirmed).

The yacht is equipped with an array of the latest technology, including, as standard, the Twin Disc Express Joystick System for unparalleled ease of handling. The system can be likened to the 'ABS braking of the seas' for its car-like ability to perform emergency manoeuvres. Even in inexperienced hands, ARROW460-Granturismo is designed and equipped to be exceptionally intuitive and safe to handle.
A smooth ride, maximum stability, low NVH (noise, vibration and harshness), ergonomically-sited controls and a clear view from the twin-console cockpit are other familiar automotive attributes prioritised by the design teams.

Silver Arrows Marine Chairman Ron Gibbs said: "Almost everything about ARROW460-Granturismo is unique, from its concept to the smallest bespoke detail. It is a motor yacht with a personality that truly embraces life, combining the best marine engineering with the inspired innovations and elegance that the world associates with Mercedes-Benz.
"By merging marine and automotive worlds, with their respective design language, technologies and ideas, we have created a new standard of motor yacht, unlike all others."

Gorden Wagener, Vice President Design Daimler AG, said: "Together with Silver Arrows Marine we have managed to develop a totally new boat concept. The 'Silver Arrow of the Seas' embodies Mercedes-Benz's progressive, dynamic design idiom of sensual purity on the water and weds it to perfect functionality. ARROW460-Granturismo is sure to cause a stir on the seas and at marinas throughout the world."

Silver Arrows Marine is named to recall the legendary Mercedes Silver Arrows racing cars which dominate motorsport. Based in Monaco, the company's first ARROW460-Granturismo has been constructed by Décision SA, a Groupe Carboman company near Lausanne in Switzerland.

Following its unveiling in the South of France, the first ARROW460-Granturismo will be starring at selected yachting events over the coming months prior to the start of production later this year.

Source: Silver Arrow Marine